Hot weather and heatstroke prevention

Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, which makes heat genuinely dangerous for them — heatstroke can kill in minutes. A little planning keeps summer safe.

Prevent it

• Never leave a dog in a parked car — even a few minutes, even with the windows cracked, can be fatal.
• Walk in the early morning or evening, not midday heat.
• Test the pavement: press the back of your hand to it for 7 seconds. Too hot for your hand means too hot for paws.
• Always offer shade and fresh water, and bring water on outings.
• Know the high-risk dogs: flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs), seniors, puppies, overweight dogs, and thick-coated breeds overheat faster.

Recognize heatstroke

Heavy, frantic panting; drooling; bright red gums; wobbliness or weakness; vomiting; collapse.

If it happens — act fast

Move to shade or AC, offer small sips of water, and wet them with cool (not ice-cold) water, especially the belly and paws. Then get to a vet immediately — heatstroke can cause internal damage even after they seem to recover.

Do this now

Set a summer rule for walk times, and never rely on "just a quick errand" with the dog in the car.

Educational only — heatstroke is always an emergency; cool and go.